Mexico's Cybercrime Profits May Exceed Drug Trafficking Soon

Cybercrime in Mexico could generate more profits than drug trafficking due to its operational ease and profitability, according to an analysis by SILIKN's research unit. 

SILIKN’s research indicates that the growth in cybercrime nationwide has been driven by the widespread adoption of digital technologies and increased Internet connectivity. Unlike drug trafficking, which requires complex logistical infrastructure and high operational costs, cybercrime can be executed with relative ease from anywhere in the world, with minimal investment and significantly lower risk. 

According to Victor Ruiz, CEO and Founder, SILIKN, this phenomenon has made cybercrime one of the most lucrative criminal activities in Mexico, with the potential to generate revenues even higher than drug trafficking.

Globally, cybercrime has emerged as a major economic threat, surpassing the revenues of drug, arms, and human trafficking. IT User reports that cybercrime has an economic impact equivalent to nearly 1.5% of global GDP, positioning it as one of the world’s most profitable industries.

“Cybercriminal organizations operate with remarkable business efficiency, seeking to reduce costs and maximize profits, similar to legitimate businesses. This sophistication in operation and the increasing diversification of attacks, such as ransomware and phishing, illustrate the vast scope and complexity of cybercrime on a global scale, which continues to expand rapidly and affect an increasing number of targets,” IT User note.

In Mexico, while drug cartels have started using cyberspace to further their activities, the economic impact and sophistication of cyberattacks have yet to reach the scale seen in global cybercrime. Furthermore, public awareness of the frequency of cyberattacks in Mexico remains lower than the actual threat, revealing a gap between perception and reality.

Relationship Between Cybercrime and Drug Trafficking

SILIKN’s research also highlights the growing collaboration between traditional organized crime and cybercriminals. This alliance enables criminal groups to use their financial resources to hire hacking experts who help them penetrate government and corporate systems.

“This represents a significant threat, as organized crime has access to substantial capital, while cybercriminals possess the technical skills necessary to execute sophisticated attacks,” Ruiz wrote for Infobae.

Luis Rodríguez Bucio, Undersecretary of Public Security and Citizen Protection, has noted that organized crime groups are increasingly using cyberspace to evade surveillance, making it easier to execute and conceal their operations. “These groups have developed sophisticated techniques to operate online, which includes the creation of web platforms and the use of advanced technology to carry out their operations with lower risk and greater efficiency,” Rodriguez noted during the Western Hemisphere Cyber Conference, in the United States.

One example of this strategy is the recent activity of the Jalisco Cartel - New Generation (CJNG), which used a complex, well-structured website to promote its operations. The site not only disseminated propaganda and narcocorridos but also served as a tool to legitimize their actions and extend their influence.

Faced with the growing threat of cybercrime, Ruiz emphasizes the urgency of creating a cybersecurity law in Mexico to effectively regulate these criminal activities. Such legislation should address cyberattacks by both international actors and domestic threats, including internal employees acting negligently or maliciously.

"The law should also establish mechanisms for collaboration between the private sector and government to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Additionally, it is crucial to implement cybersecurity awareness programs aimed at both businesses and citizens to mitigate the risks associated with digital technologies," Ruiz concluded.